COMMUNITY CALENDAR Oct. 9

All area codes are 850 unless noted.

Destin City Hall

All City Council meetings, workshops, executive sessions and CRA Board meetings are held at the City Hall Annex, 4100 Indian Bayou Trail. All other board and committee meetings are held at City Hall, 4200 Indian Bayou Trail. All meetings are subject to change or cancellation.

Technical Review Committee, 11 a.m. Oct. 15

Town Center CRA-AC, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 16

Local Planning Agency, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 17

Emerald Coast Republican Club

The Emerald Coast Republican Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 9 at Two Trees Restaurant in Fort Walton Beach. The speaker will be Clyde Lewis, who is running for Okaloosa County Commissioner. For reservations or more information, call 837-1931.

Happy Hearts

The Happy Hearts of Village Church will meet at 1 p.m. Oct. 10 at Ole Times Country Buffet in Destin. Bob Shoemaker and his trusted dog Vinney will be the guest speaker. The project for the meeting is teddy bears and the mission is the Village Food Pantry. Call 598-0954 with questions.

Democratic Social Club

Hootnanny, the monthly dinner meeting of the Okaloosa Democratic Social Club for registered Democrats and friends, begins at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 at Thai Taste Restaurant, 334 Eglin Parkway in Fort Walton Beach, with a Dutch treat buffet. Jonathan Armstrong will speak on "Going Solar.” Donations for Sharing and Caring are welcome Reservations should be made by Oct. 8 at 862-0416 or demhootnanny@cox.net.

Styling Your Table: Tablescaping for Special Occasions

Enjoy award-winning tablescapes in individual and commercial categories, hosted by the Green Thumb Garden Club, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 11 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 at 400 Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach..

Exotic Pet Amnesty Day

To help keep unwanted exotic pets out of Florida’s native ecosystems, the FWC and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park will host an Exotic Pet Amnesty Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 12. Any type of exotic pet and surrendered animals will be placed in forever homes with approved adopters.

Embroiderers' Guild

The Sand Dunes Chapter of Embroiderers' Guild of America ‎will have a stitch-in from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Oct. 13 and a program meeting from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Oct. 27. The meetings are held in the Religious Education building, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1200 Valparaiso Blvd. in Niceville. Call 496-3466 with any questions.

Topsail Kids' Club

Children can join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach for Kids' Club at 10 a.m. p.m. Oct. 14 for a fun time with their parents, filled with nature crafts and activities. Bring a snack and stay afterwards for more fun. Future dates are 2 p.m. Nov. 17; and 10 a.m. Dec. 9. Program is free with regular park admission.

SHRM

The Society for Human Resource Management of the Emerald Coast will meet at 7:15 a.m. Oct. 16 at CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, 415 Racetrack Road in Fort Walton Beach. Cost is $15/members and $25/non-members with breakfast included. Program is Developing Leaders Through Strategic Performance Management and Engagement with guest speaker Chad Sorensen.

Operation Green Light

Okaloosa County Clerk of Court will host Operation Green Light from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Crestview and Fort Walton Beach locations for individuals looking to save on fees and have their driver’s license reinstated. Okaloosa County customers with suspended driver licenses will have an opportunity to pay overdue court obligations, including traffic tickets, while saving up to 40 percent in additional fees. Customers may also be able to have suspended driver licenses reinstated.

Landscape Lecture

The Okaloosa County Master Gardener Association will offer a free lecture on low maintenance landscaping with Marie Harrison from 10-11 a.m. Oct. 16 at the Okaloosa County Extension Office, 3098 Airport Road in Crestview. She will share techniques and photos of her new landscape. Learn about the site characteristics that influenced plant choices, including natives for their value to wildlife. Reservations required at 689-5850 or email achisholm@myokaloosa.com.

Retired Officers' Wives' Club

NWFL Retired Officers' Wives' Club luncheon will be at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 17 at Two Trees Restaurant at FWB Golf Course, 1955 Lewis Turner Blvd. Program is Handmade Victorian Jewelry for Flower Lovers. Cost is $15. New members, wives of retired officers from all services, are welcome. RSVP for lunch at NWFloridaROWC@gmail.com.

The Track Fundraiser

The Track Family Fun Park in Destin will host the Ninth Annual Fight the Fight, Find a Cure breast cancer fundraising event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 19. Guests are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day of Track activities while supporting the Women’s Health Services Fund at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. All proceeds from the event will help provide screening mammograms for underserved women in our community. The cost is $15/person for an unlimited park pass and $10/person for unlimited Kids Country and golf-only pass. Guests may purchase hot dogs, drinks and homemade baked goods to support the breast cancer fund. Food items will be available while supplies last. Passes must be purchased at the park. Call 654-4668.

Out of the Darkness

Seventh Annual Emerald Coast Out of the Darkness Community Walk, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Florida Panhandle Chapter, will be at 10 a.m. Oct. 19 at John Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island. This fundraising walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s local and national education and advocacy programs and its bold goal to reduce the annual rate of suicide 20 percent by 2025. The event is free and open to the public. Online registration and fundraising are encouraged. Interested participants, walkers, and donors can visit AFSP.org/EmeraldCoast.

ADSO Luncheon

Kelsi Adams, a fine art composite artist, will be the speaker at the ADSO Luncheon on Oct. 23. Adams creates new and unique stories through multiple photographs she takes and blends together. She will discuss her inspirations and how she creates stories through compositions and color. The Luncheon, which is open to the public, will begin at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $12. Reservations must be made no later than Oct. 21 at adsorsvp@gmail.com or call ADSO at 850-244-1271. Cost of luncheon after that date is $15.

Destin Open House

The public is invited to attend the City of Destin’s annual Open House from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p..m. Oct. 24 at the Destin Community Center. This year’s theme is “Looking Back … Moving Forward.” Lunch will be provided by Chef Jim Shirah of Dewey Destin’s. Residents and businesses can bring their old documents to the community center to be shredded for free.

Seniors of Destin

The Seniors of Destin meet the fourth Friday of the month for a covered dish and to celebrate all birthdays for the month. The program is sponsored by the city of Destin and Gentiva Home Health. Each month has a featured guest speaker that pertains to senior living. Call 685-5310.

Hurricane Information Guide

Hurricane season began June 1 and ends Nov. 30. The 2019 City of Destin Hurricane Guide is now available on the City of Destin website and City of Destin Government Facebook page. This guide is designed to provide valuable information that you can use before, during and after a storm. For more information, visit https://www.cityofdestin.com/DocumentCenter/View/10333/2019-Destin-Hurricane-Guide-FINAL?bidId

Sacred Heart Seminar

Ascension Sacred Heart Rehabilitation will hold an informational seminar on using Myofascial Release techniques for pain reduction and improved mobility from 11 a.m. to noon Oct. 25 at Sacred Heart Rehabilitation at The Market Shops, 9375 Emerald Coast Parkway West - Unit 1 in Miramar Beach. To register for this free community-education seminar, call 278-3600.

Choctawhatchee Audubon Society

Saturday Bird Walk Oct. 26 at Camp Helen State Park. Meet 8-8:15 a.m. in the parking lot of Camp Helen, 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway in Panama City Beach. Emily Ellis will lead through the park to look for a variety of shorebirds including plovers, terns, and herons, as well as migrating songbirds such as warblers and buntings. Bring a picnic lunch, binoculars and/or camera, wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, and a hat. Call 818-2262.

Blood Drive

OneBlood will have a blood drive hosted by The Market Shops in Miramar Beach from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 31. The OneBlood Big Red Bus will be parked in The Market Shops parking lot, adjacent to U.S. 98. All donors will receive a complimentary Halloween OneBlood T-shirt, a free mini-iced cinnamon biscuit from Maple Street Biscuit Company, a kid’s scoop of ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s, and 10 percent off a purchase at Clean Juice in The Market Shops.

McCaskill & Company: The community is invited to McCaskill & Company, the Destin gallery, 13390 US Hwy. 98 W, Nov. 8-9 for The Erica Courtney Adventure. Named as one of the Top 3 Jewelry Designers in the World by United Brands, Erica Courtney travels the world and mines for some of the rarest and most beautiful gems. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet her in person and experience her exquisite collection of jewelry and gemstones. Call 650–2262.

Holiday Craft Show

The City of Destin’s 13th Annual Holiday Craft Show will be held at the Destin Community Center from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 15 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 16. There will be hand-crafted jewelry, wreaths, books, concessions, and much more from over 50 vendors. Vendor booths are available for $45/residents and $55/non-residents (+$10 for a corner booth). This includes an 8 ft x 10 ft space, one 6 ft table, and two chairs. Register early, as space is limited. Admission to the public is free. Call 654-5184 for more information.

Holiday Baking

A Holiday Baking Class with Chef Jim Shirah will be held at the Destin Community Center for children ages 8-14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 26 and 27. The fee is $40/residents and $50/non-residents. Each student will learn how to bake and will take home several holiday cookies, treats, and more. Register early or call 654-5184 for more information.

Christmas Tree Lighting

The 33RD annual Christmas Tree Lighting, hosted by the City of Destin, will be held at the Destin Community Center at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 with a visit from Santa. There will be entertainment from local choruses, musical groups, etc. with refreshments being served after the lighting. Donations of canned food will be collected for families in need. Call 654-5184 for information.

Christmas Parade

The City of Destin’s 35th annual Christmas Parade will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 14. This year’s theme is “Santa’s Workshop.” The floats will start at Downtown Destin Shopping Center (Old Time Pottery) and travel west down Harbor Boulevard (Highway 98) to Stahlman Avenue. Please stand on the north side of Harbor Boulevard to watch the floats. For those who wish to put a float in the parade, applications are available at the Destin Community Center. In lieu of an entry fee, each entry must make a donation of a new toy for a local charity, to be dropped off at the Destin Community Center. Applications must be turned in no later than Dec. 6. You may drop them off in person, fax to 654-8998, or email to islaton@cityofdestin.com. Call 654-5184 for information.

Peer to Peer Support Group

Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties is sponsoring a Peer to Peer Support Group every Thursday at Santa Rosa Beach Community Church, Room 206, 3524 US Hwy 98, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Whether you want to learn new life skills or better understand Mental Health Recovery, you will find support here. The group is open to adults (18+), free to participate, confidential, and guided by trained peer facilitators. For more information, call the Mental Health Association in Fort Walton Beach at 244-1040.

Code Club

Learn about Android app design using MIT’s Scratch language at The Destin Library’s Code Club for middle schoolers at 4:30 p.m. Fridays. For more information or to sign up call 837-8572 or message Library on Facebook.

Tai Chi Class

The Destin Library will offer one-hour Tai Chi classes with Barbara Rezmer, a certified Tai Chi for Health instructor, on Monday mornings at 9 a.m. The cost is $5/session. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants with registrations (on a first-come first-served basis) accepted by phone or in person. Call 837-8572.

Good Grief Luncheons

An Emerald Coast Hospice\ lunch is open to anyone who has experienced a loss and is looking for some support and company through the grieving process. We encourage attendees to also bring a friend or family member. Everyone orders off the menu and pays for his or her own lunch. To RSVP, call 837-2589. Third Monday lunch is at Olive Garden Destin and third Tuesday lunch is at Applebee’s Miramar Beach, 8670 Hwy. 98 West.

Healing Walking Group

The Emerald Coast Hospice walking group is open to bereaved individuals who have experienced the death of a significant person in their life. Walk and talk, at a relaxed pace, with others who are grieving and share ideas, comfort and companionship from 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays in Miramar Beach and Thursdays in Destin. RSVP at 837-2589

Caregiver Support Group

Covenant Alzheimer’s Care support group for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related illness is held at 5:30 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at Brookdale Fort Walton Beach, 233 Carmel Ave. Call 864-4600.

Kiwanis Club of Destin

The Kiwanis Club of Destin meets at 8 a.m. the 1st and 3rd Thursday in the Coffee Café at the Village Baptist Church, 191 Matthew Blvd. in Destin. Visitors welcome.

Destin Rotary

The Destin Rotary meets at 7:15 a.m. every Tuesday at Rutherford’s 465. Visit www.facebook.com/pages/Rotary-Club-of-Destin/241220675890226.

Flotilla 1-4 USCG Auxiliary

Flotilla 1-4 USCG Auxiliary meets at 8 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month at Coast Guard Station Destin on Okaloosa Island. Anyone wishing to become a member is welcome to attend. Prior military duty is not required. Call 865-9130

Grand Boulevard Farmers’ Market

The market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday in Grand Park in Miramar Beach between Cantina Laredo and Tommy Bahama’s. Vendors will offer locally sourced food-based items including produce, eggs, milk, butter, grass-fed beef, chicken, lamb and pork, honey, pickled vegetables and gourmet jams.

30A Farmers’ Market

This community event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays in Town Center in Rosemary Beach features fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, cheese and more. Market is held on Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Seaside Farmers Market

Get your pick of fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products, native plants and other unique offerings Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Amphitheatre behind Raw & Juicy. Enjoy special cooking demos and activities.

Destin Life Center

Recreation and fitness activities at Destin Life Center at Destin United Methodist Church, 200 Beach Drive, are from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sundays. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday visit the Soul Café for lunch. Call ahead for dine in or pick up. For information, call the DLC at 837-2021. Only recreation right now is Pickle Ball. Please call the Connection Desk for the current calendar at 837-2021.

Destin Community Center

All activities are at the Destin Community Center, unless noted. Call 654-5184 or email recreation@cityofdestin.comfor information and to register. Persons with disabilities who require assistance are asked to notify the center 48 hours in advance.

‒ Capoeria: Class in the Brazilian martial art that combines the elements of dance, acrobatics and music will be held Wednesdays at 7 p.m. for all ages.

‒ Chair Yoga: Classes from 10-11 a.m. Thursdays beginning Nov. 7. Fee is $4/class and is open to everyone.

‒ Dance Exercise: Class will be held from 12-1 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday for men and women of all ages and incorporates modern dance styles, yoga, and Tai Chi movements. Fee is $3/session non-residents and $2/session residents.

‒ Destin Senior Chair Exercise 50+ years: Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10-10:45 a.m. consists of performing light exercises to help improve balance, flexibility, strength, and circulation. Free/residents.

‒ Destin Senior Membership: Join the Destin Seniors to enjoy multiple festivities including the senior lunch bunch, potluck, casino trips, cruises, bingo, chair exercise, knitting, scrabble, and Mexican dominoes. Members must be a Destin resident.

‒ Game Room: Open to children age 10 and older from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays.

• Line Dancing: Class will be held Thursdays with beginner lessons at 12:30 p.m. Open dance is 1:15-1:45 p.m. Intermediate lessons are at 1:45 p.m. Class us $6.

‒ Senior Book Club: The Destin Senior Members meet at 10 a.m. the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Destin Library, 150 Sibert Ave.

‒ Senior Drop-In Hours: The Destin Senior Center at Buck Destin Park, 724 Legion Drive, offers senior drop-in hours from 9 a.m. to noon every Tuesday and Thursday for Seniors (50 years and older) to meet and enjoy each other’s company, participate in games such as Mexican Train Dominoes, Scrabble, cards, etc.

‒ Senior Knitting: Sessions and lessons for beginners and all skill levels from 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Destin Senior Center at Buck Destin Park, 724 Legion Drive. No registration required.

‒ Senior Walking Club: The Destin Senior Members walk around the Destin Community Center’s gymnasium from 8-9 a.m. Monday-Friday. All of the miles that you walk will be added to the “team map” as we travel from one region to the next.

‒ Table Tennis: Play from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Paddles and balls provided. Fee is $2/resident and $3/non-resident.

‒ Zumba Gold: Classes will be held from 11 a.m. to noon every Thursday beginning Nov. 7. This is a low impact class using Latin music for fitness/dance. Fee is $6/session.

Betterment Alliance

The Main Street Betterment Alliance meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays at the American Legion, 311 Main Street. Call 837-3818.

Destin Business Builders

Destin Business Builders Networking group meets from 7:15-8:45 a.m. every Wednesday at the Destin United Methodist Life Center. Call 651-1300 ext. 13.

Food Buying Club

A small group interested in eating healthy and purchasing smart meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 125 Scottsdale Court in Mary Esther. On the second Tuesday, the group meets at Fountain Square in downtown Fort Walton Beach for the Growing Local film series. Call 863-4040.